OPay Rolls Out ₦1.2B Scholarship at UNIUYO

Fintech giant OPay is investing in Nigeria’s future—literally. The firm has kicked off a ₦1.2 billion scholarship initiative at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), selecting 20 exceptional students as its first beneficiaries.

Each student will receive ₦300,000 per academic year, with support spanning the next 10 years. The initiative, part of OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive, aims to improve access to education while building closer ties with local communities.

At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), held on Monday in Uyo, OPay’s Head of Partnerships, Ikponmwosa Odiase, explained the company’s motivation.

“We also have a social impact to add value to our communities. That is why we came up with the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative to empower our future,” he said.

According to him, the programme targets 20 universities across Nigeria. UNIUYO marks the 11th institution to be added to the list.

Beyond Scholarships: Opay Internships and Impact Ahead

While the scholarship programme is the highlight, OPay is thinking long-term. Odiase hinted at future collaborations with universities, from internship placements to job creation opportunities for students.

“We believe the students, our youth, are the future of this country. And the best way to do that is to empower them,” he added, noting the scholarship scheme was only a starting point.

UNIUYO’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, commended the effort and urged more businesses to follow OPay’s example.

“It is not how long you stay in business that matters, but the services you render. I want to call on other organisations to emulate and learn from what you are doing,” the VC stated.